NEW BEGINNINGS

New beginnings are often bittersweet. This sentiment is definitely true as we celebrate the milestone transformations of several Hope for Life youth. In the past year, eight young men have officially transitioned from Hope for Life’s programs, starting their lives as independent adults. Each of them were equipped to go from living on the streets, to finding stability while living at the rehabilitative home, were reintegrated into the community program, and now have graduated into independent living.

We could not be more proud of them and all they have overcome to accomplish such a meaningful rite of passage! Thanks to YOU for equipping these incredible men with the resources they needed to imagine and achieve a flourishing future for themselves. We’ve featured each graduate below to celebrate their hard work and success.

David

Age: 25 | Computer Repairman

First came to HFL: 2009

Obed

Age: 19 | Barber

First came to HFL: 2009

Jean Peter

Age: 24 | Welder

First came to HFL: 2009

Patrick

Age: 23 | Welder

First came to HFL: 2010

Emile

Age: 21 | Mechanic

First came to HFL: 2013

D´Amour

Age: 23 | Photographer

First came to HFL: 2009

John

Age: 20 | Welder

First came to HFL: 2009

Berco

Age: 20 | Welder

First came to HFL: 2009

Amanda and Emile

Emile’s journey to Hope for Life is not unlike the journeys of many of our boys. But his current transition into a self-supporting adult is what we hope for all of the children who come to us. At just 11-years-old, Emile made the difficult decision to move to the streets rather than continue to live in extreme poverty at home. When he arrived at Hope for Life’s rehabilitative home, he was one of the smallest boys we’ve ever seen due to malnourishment. His warmth and ability to make others laugh quickly stood out.

The time Emile spent at the rehabilitative home was not always easy. Living on the streets for many years without attending school made Emile’s return to the classroom extremely challenging. Despite his hard work and outside resources, he struggled to catch up. After three years at the rehabilitative home, Emile was reintegrated with his family and he moved back home. At that time, he started vocational training to learn auto mechanics, a path much more suited for his strengths and interests rather than traditional school. Reintegration brought new challenges for both him and his parents as everyone had to learn how to be a family again. But Emile persevered and after several years of training and starting his own business, he is successfully working as a mechanic and independently supporting himself. We are all so proud of Emile and are grateful to you for making his success possible.

10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

This year, Hope for Life celebrates its 10 year anniversary! Thank you to ALL of our partners who have made the past decade possible.

Because of you, over 100 children have been empowered to leave the streets for good. Over 230 children have enrolled in school, 11 youth who were formerly homeless have graduated high school or vocational training, are now employed, and have reached financial independence. Three children have received life-saving surgeries. In total, over 900 lives have been improved thanks to your love, generosity, and belief that all children deserve the opportunity to have flourishing futures.

Early days in 2010

EXCITING GROWTH HAPPENING IN RWANDA!

BREAKING NEWS! To usher in the next 10 years at Hope for Life, we are excited to announce a season of growth. In the coming weeks, the team in Rwanda will break ground to build a second rehabilitative home and administrative facility. And later this year, we will be launching a new Community Outreach Program.

The second rehabilitative home will be a two-story building which will help facilitate transformations for 32 children at a time, doubling the current capacity of the rehabilitative program. Similar to our current rehabilitative home, 24/7 holistic care will be offered to children transitioning out of homelessness and extreme poverty. Services will include school enrollment, medical care, trauma counseling, Christian discipleship, and family reconciliation.

The administrative facility will provide space for the growing staff in Rwanda to be effective caregivers and professionals. This space will also be available to the community as a resource where they can gather for meetings, trainings, and come to learn. The facility will house a dedicated computer lab, classroom, and library. With the goal of reconciling and reintegrating as many children as possible with their families, the administrative facility will also offer visiting family members a place to stay with two bedrooms, a bathroom, and kitchen. Because many family members of the boys live so far away, visits can be challenging and often cut short. By providing a space to stay, families can take the proper time they need to heal and move forward.

Additionally, a new program is launching this year. The Community Outreach Program will provide emergency day-services to children currently experiencing homelessness, serving 50 children each week. Children and youth who are on the streets will be able to come and eat a warm meal, take a shower, and meet with Hope for Life staff who will provide community resources. Children will come to know they are loved and that there is hope.

This exciting growth is not possible without the support of dedicated partners like you. We invite you to join us in this new season by making a gift at www.hopeforlife.us/nextchapter.

THANK YOU for empowering even more children to flourish!

A 2018 SNAPSHOT

2018 was another exciting year for Hope for Life. Thank you for making it all possible! Below is a glimpse of what you helped accomplish. A full report can be found at hopeforlife.us/2019report.

Rehabilitative Program

Children served – 38

New children – 7

Reintegrated home – 2

Community Sponsorships

Children sponsored – 74

New children – 31

Completed vocational training – 7

CELEBRATING HOPE GALA

On March 23rd, the U.S. team hosted the Celebrating Hope Gala in Seattle, WA. An empty airplane hangar was transformed for an evening of fun, inspiration, and generosity. Chantal Umutesi, HFL’s Executive Director in Rwanda, was the guest of honor at the largest Gala yet with over 250 guests and 42 volunteers. Sixty new partners were introduced to Hope for Life and over $193,000 was raised to holistically support vulnerable children!

Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, and supported this event to make it a huge success!

2019 LEARNING TRIP

The 2019 Learning Trip to Rwanda is taking place from November 9th-19th! Applications are now available at hopeforlife.us/get-involved. If you’re interested, we encourage you to read the FAQs and apply. All selected travelers are required to attend pre and post-trip trainings.

Emily works as a Washington State Auditor and is passionate about social justice, fighting homelessness, and nonprofit finance. In addition to being a CPA, Emily holds a BA in International Development, an MA in Public Administration, and certificates in Accounting and Nonprofit Management. We are grateful for her and the expertise she brings to the organization.